Toy building element

ABSTRACT

A building element includes a body that defines a first connection end and a second connection end, a socket at the first connection end, an inner circumferential surface extending into the body at the second connection end, and a central post at the second connection end. The socket includes two or more petals that define an inner curved surface that is configured to receive a ball. The inner circumferential surface defines a central cavity, and the central post is in the central cavity. The central post has an outer circumferential surface and a circumferential cavity is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the post and the inner circumferential surface of the body.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 62/052,559, filed Sep. 19, 2014 and titled TOY BUILDING ELEMENT, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 61/986,136, filed Apr. 30, 2014 and titled TOY CONSTRUCTION SET, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 62/116,204, filed Feb. 13, 2015 and titled TOY CONSTRUCTION SET, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a toy building element that is a part of a toy construction set.

BACKGROUND

Persons of all ages enjoy playing and interacting with toys and building elements. Toy construction sets are made up of a plurality of building elements, which include coupling mechanisms such as studs or recesses of specific heights and placement to enable interconnection with other building elements.

SUMMARY

In some general aspects, a building element includes a body that defines a first connection end and a second connection end, a socket at the first connection end, the socket includes two or more petals that define an inner curved (for example, spherically-shaped) surface that is configured to receive a ball; an inner circumferential surface extending into the body at the second connection end, the inner circumferential surface defining a central cavity; and a cylindrical post at the second connection end and in the central cavity. The post has an outer circumferential surface such that a circumferential cavity is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the post and the inner circumferential surface of the body.

Implementations can include one or more of the following features. For example, the axis of the cylindrical post can extend from a lower surface. The lower surface forms a lower surface of the circumferential cavity and can extend between the inner circumferential surface of the body and the outer circumferential surface of the post.

The cylindrical post can include a post top surface that intersects the axis of the cylindrical post, and the body can include a top surface. A plane that intersects the post top surface can slice through the body.

The socket can include only two petals. The two petals can extend from the body along a direction that is parallel with the axis of the cylindrical post and define open areas between the two petals.

A line halfway between the petals of the socket can intersect the axis of the cylindrical post.

The inner circumferential surface of the body can have a diameter of 4.84 mm. The socket can have a radius of 2.4 mm. The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical post can have a diameter of 3.18 mm.

The inner circumferential surface of the body can include one or more arc-shaped surfaces between two flat surfaces.

In other general aspects, a toy construction set includes an adapter building element that includes a body that defines a first connection end and a second connection end; a socket at the first connection end, the socket includes two or more petals that define an inner spherically-shaped surface that is configured to receive a ball; an inner circumferential surface extending into the body at the second connection end and defining a central cavity; and a cylindrical post at the second connection end and in the central cavity. The cylindrical post has an outer circumferential surface such that a circumferential cavity is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical post and the inner circumferential surface of the body.

Implementations can include one or more of the following features. For example, the toy construction set can include a base building element having a cylindrical stud that includes a cylindrical wall defining an inner stud cavity and an outer stud surface, wherein, when the adapter building element and the base building element are connected, the cylindrical stud is frictionally engaged at the inner stud cavity with the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical post and at the outer stud surface with the inner circumferential surface of the body. The adapter building element and the base building element can connect along an axis of connection, and when the adapter building element and the base building element are connected, the adapter building element and the base building element can be rotatable relative to each other about the axis of connection. The adapter building element and the base building element can slidably connect along the axis of connection.

The base building element can have a cylindrically shaped head from which the cylindrical stud protrudes. The base building element can have a planar surface from which the cylindrical stud protrudes. The base building element can include a recess that is configured to frictionally engage a cylindrical stud of another building element.

The toy construction set can include a ball building element having a ball, wherein, when the adapter building element and the ball building element are connected, the ball is frictionally engaged in the socket of the adapter building element. The ball building element can include one or more additional coupling elements for connecting to other building element of the toy construction set. The diameter of the ball can be larger than an opening defined between the two or more petals.

The toy construction set can include a plurality of additional building elements that are releasably interconnectable with each other, at least one of the additional building elements including a cylindrical stud that frictionally engages the cylindrical post of the adapter building element by way of an interference fit and at least one of the additional building elements including a ball that frictionally engages the socket of the adapter building element by way of an interference fit, at least one of the building elements engaging in a purposeful deformation during connection or disconnection.

In other general aspects, a toy construction set includes an adapter building element having a body; a socket at a first connection end of the body, the socket defining an inner spherically-shaped surface; and a double interference clutch coupling element at a second connection end of the body. The toy construction set also includes a first appendage building element having a cylindrical stud that includes a cylindrical wall defining an inner stud cavity and an outer stud surface, wherein, when the adapter building element and the first appendage building element are connected, the cylindrical stud is frictionally engaged at the inner stud cavity with the double interference clutch coupling element of the adapter building element and at the outer stud surface with the double interference clutch coupling element of the adapter building element. The toy construction set also includes a second appendage building element having a ball, wherein, when the adapter building element and the second appendage building element are connected, the ball is frictionally engaged in the socket of the adapter building element.

Implementations can include one or more of the following features. For example, the double interference clutch coupling element can include an inner circumferential surface that defines a central cavity that extends into the body; and a post protruding within the central cavity such that a circumferential cavity is formed between the post and the inner circumferential surface of the body.

The adapter building element and the first appendage building element can connect along an axis of connection, and when the adapter building element and the first appendage building element are connected, the adapter building element and the first appendage building element are rotatable relative to each other about the axis of connection. The adapter building element and the first appendage building element can slidably connect along the axis of connection.

When the adapter building element and the second appendage building element are connected, the ball can be frictionally engaged in the socket of the adapter building element to enable the second appendage building element to rotate at least 180° along a first plane and to rotate at least 40° along a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.

The first appendage building element can include a foot building element and the second appendage building element comprises a leg building element.

The first appendage building element can be a first arm building element and the second appendage building element can be a second arm building element.

The first appendage building element can be a first leg building element and the second appendage building element can be a second leg building element.

The first appendage building element can be a part of a toy figure assembly. The first appendage building element can include a head part building element that includes the cylindrical stud that frictionally engages at the inner stud cavity with the double interference clutch coupling element of the adapter building element and at the outer stud surface with the double interference clutch coupling element of the adapter building element. The toy figure assembly can include an upper body part building element removably attachable to the head part building element via a non-snap frictional engagement; and a lower body part building element removably attachable to the upper body part building element via a non-snap frictional engagement, the lower body part building element includes a single recess structured for non-snap frictional engagement to a building element via only a single stud on the building element.

The adapter building element includes both a ball and socket joint and a double clutch recess to provide a strong engagement for adapting between studs and recesses and balls and sockets, which enables the adapter building element to be used for combining toy figure assemblies or any other building elements or assemblies that require a great frictional engagement to maintain their connection.

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary toy construction set in a disconnected state.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the exemplary toy construction set of FIG. 1A in a connected state.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of another exemplary toy construction set.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a building element of the toy construction set of FIG. 2A taken along the line 2B-2B.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of another building element of the toy construction set of FIG. 2B taken along the line 2C-2C.

FIG. 2D shows an exemplary toy construction set.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary toy figure assembled from building elements.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary building element in the form of a pelvis.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of an exemplary building element in the form of a pelvis.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary building element in the form of a torso.

FIG. 6B is a bottom perspective view of the building element of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the building element of FIG. 4 placed “in system” with other building elements.

FIG. 7B is a side cross-sectional of the building element of FIG. 4 placed “in system” as shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary process for releasably connecting building elements.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of another exemplary construction set in a disassembled state.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the construction set of FIG. 9A in an assembled state.

FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of an adapter building element.

FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the adapter building element of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a side perspective view of the adapter building element of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of an exemplary adapter building element.

FIG. 11B is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary adapter building element of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is a top plan view of the adapter building element of FIGS. 11A and 11B.

FIG. 11D is a side cross sectional view of the adapter building element of FIG. 11C taken along section D-D.

FIG. 11E is a bottom plan view of the adapter building element of FIGS. 11A-11D.

FIG. 12A is a block diagram of an exemplary toy construction set that includes the adapter building element of FIGS. 10A-10C.

FIG. 12B is a block diagram of a unitary structure formed from the adapter building element of FIGS. 10A-10C and other building element of the toy construction set of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view the adapter building element of FIGS. 10A-10C connected to a base building element shaped like a head.

FIG. 13B is a side cross sectional view of the adapter building element connected to the base building element of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the adapter building element of FIGS. 10A-10C connected to a base building element that has a planar surface from which a cylindrical stud protrudes.

FIG. 14B is a perspective cross sectional view of the adapter building element connected to the base building element of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A is a side plan view of the adapter building element of FIGS. 10A-10C in a unitary structure than includes first and second building elements attached to opposite ends of the adapter building element.

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the unitary structure of FIG. 15A.

FIGS. 15C and 15D are side plan views of the unitary structure of FIGS. 15A and 15B showing different relative positions between the first and second building elements and the adapter building element.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a combiner apparatus that is formed by combining a plurality of toy figure assemblies and a plurality of adapter building elements.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the combiner apparatus of FIG. 16A including accessories that impart design features to the combiner apparatus.

DESCRIPTION

A toy construction set is disclosed. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a block diagram of an exemplary toy construction set 100 is shown. The toy construction set 100 includes at least two building elements that are configured to be repeatedly and releasably connected to each other. At least two of the building elements in the toy construction set 100 connect together with a plurality of frictional engagements, each of which is formed between different pairs of surfaces. The frictional engagements are such that the building elements can be connected, disconnected, and reconnected repeatedly and without harming or destroying the building elements.

As discussed in greater detail below, the plurality of frictional engagements allows the at least two building elements to be held together more securely and to rotate relative to each other while connected. Once connected, the building elements can be held together with an interference fit. An interference fit is a friction fit or frictional engagement in which the mechanical coupling or fastening between the coupling elements is achieved by friction after the coupling elements are pushed together, mated, seated, or otherwise mutually engaged. The interference fit also may involve a purposeful interference or deformation of one or more of the coupling elements when they are coupled, fastened, pushed together, or otherwise mutually engaged. Thus, the interference fit can be achieved by shaping the two coupling elements so that one or the other, or both, slightly deviate in size or form from their nominal dimension and one or more of the coupling elements slightly interferes with the space that the other is taking up.

In one example, the degree or strength of an interference fit is sometimes referred to as “clutch.” The amount of clutch provides an indication of the forces used to combine and/or separate the coupling elements to or from each other. The degree or amount of contact between the coupling elements when coupled directly can correlate to the amount of clutch provided. In addition, the number of points of contact between the coupling elements can determine the amount of clutch. For example, there may be three, four, five or more points of contact between a male stud and a female recess, where more points of contact provide more clutch. With regard to female coupling elements, the point of contact can be referred to as a “point of clutch” or a “frictional engagement point.”

In the example of FIGS. 1A and 1B, two building elements, a building element 110 and a building element 120, are shown. FIG. 1A shows the toy construction set 100 in a disconnected state, with the building element 110 and the building element 120 being physically separate from each other. The building element 110 and the building element 120 connect to each other along a direction 107, which is parallel to the z direction. FIG. 1B shows the toy construction set 100 in a connected state, with the building element 110 and the building element 120 being releasably connected and held to each other with a frictional engagement, an interference fit, or a friction fit.

The building element 110 includes a surface 112 and a stud 114 that extends from the surface 112. The stud 114 has a cavity 115 and an outer wall 116. The cavity 115 is recessed into the stud 114. The outer wall 116 forms a portion of the exterior of the stud 114. In the example shown, the outer wall 116 is concentric with the cavity 115. The building element 120 includes a surface 122 and a recess 124 formed in the surface 122. The recess 124 has a wall 127. In the example of FIGS. 1A and 1B, a protrusion (such as a post) 126 extends into the recess 124.

When the building elements 110 and 120 are connected, the protrusion 126 is at least partially received in the cavity 115. As a result, a frictional engagement 131 is formed between the protrusion 126 and an inner wall of the stud 114, and a frictional engagement 132 is formed between the outer wall 116 of the stud 114 and the wall 127 at the edge of the recess 124. Thus, the stud 114 is engaged at both its exterior (the outer wall 116) and its interior (inner wall or at the cavity 115). In this manner, the building element 110 and the building element 120 are releasably connected to each other at two distinct frictional engagement areas, regions, or points.

The frictional engagements 131, 132 are distinct from each other because they are formed at different spatial locations. In the example of FIG. 1B, the engagements 131, 132 are formed between surfaces that are in different planes and are between different portions of the building elements. The engagements 131, 132 occur without any snap fit action. In other words, there is no purposeful deformation along a first direction before a relaxing back along a second direction that is antiparallel with the first direction during the connection of the building elements 110 and 120.

Having a plurality of distinct frictional engagement points when the building elements 110 and 120 are connected can result in the connected toy construction set 100 being held more securely, and the building elements 110, 120 being clutched more strongly, as compared to an implementation in which a single frictional engagement is formed between two surfaces. Additionally, in some implementations, when connected, the building elements 110, 120 can rotate relative to one another about the connection axis 107 in the x-y plane, which is perpendicular to the connection axis 107. The building elements 110, 120 can rotate through 360 degrees of motion in the x-y plane without becoming disconnected from each other. The building elements 110, 120 can rotate relative to each other in the x-y plane while moving in the z direction along the connection axis 107 or while remaining in their respective positions relative to each other on the connection axis 107. The building elements 110, 120 can remain connected to each other while being rotated because of the strong connection provided by the plurality of frictional engagements.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a block diagram of another exemplary set of building elements 200 in a disassembled state is shown. The set of building elements 200 includes a building element 210 and a building element 220 that are releasably connectable to each other. The building elements 210 and 220 are part of a construction set 236 (FIG. 2D) that includes a plurality of building elements that repeatedly releasably connect to each other. Either or both of the building elements 210 and 220 can connect to any of the building elements in the construction set 236.

The building element 210 includes a stud 214, which has a cavity 215 and an outer wall 216. The building element 220 includes a recess 224 formed in a surface 222, and a protrusion 226 in the recess 224. The recess 224 includes a wall 227 that at least partially defines a boundary of the recess 224. When the building elements 210 and 220 are connected, a frictional engagement is formed between the outer wall 216 and the wall 227 and between the protrusion 226 and the inner wall of the cavity 215. In this manner, the building elements 210 and 220 are held together by a plurality of frictional engagements.

The building element 220 also includes coupling studs 229. The coupling studs 229 are arranged in a pattern on a surface 228. The coupling studs 229 allow the building element 220 to connect to any of the building elements in the construction set 236. For example, the coupling studs 229 can be received and held in frictional engagement by a corresponding recess formed in a separate and distinct building element. In some implementations, the building element 210 can include recesses 219 to receive coupling studs such as the coupling studs 229.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a cross-sectional view of the building element 220 taken along the line 2B-2B is shown. In the example shown, the protrusion 226 and the recess 224 have circular cross-sections. FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the building element 210 taken along the line 2C-2C. In the example shown, the stud 214 and the cavity 215 have circular cross-sections. The circular cross-sections of the protrusion 226, the recess 224, the stud 214, and the cavity 215 allow the building element 210 and the building element 220 to rotate relative to each other about the connection axis when connected or frictionally engaged to each other.

Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of an exemplary toy FIG. 300 in an assembled state is shown. The toy FIG. 300 includes a head 305, the pelvis or hip 310, the torso 320, arms 330, and legs 340. The head 305, pelvis 310, torso 320, arms 330, and legs 340, collectively the components of the toy FIG. 300, are building elements and are releasably connected to each other to form the toy FIG. 300.

FIGS. 4 and 6A show perspective views of a pelvis 410 and a torso 620 that can be used as the pelvis 310 and the torso, respectively, of the toy FIG. 300 of FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 4, the pelvis 410 includes a stud 414 that extends a distance 414 a from a surface 412. The stud 414 includes a cavity 415, which is formed in the stud 414, and an outer wall 416. The cavity 415 is at least partially defined by a faceted inner wall. The outer wall 416 is smooth. The pelvis 410 has mirror symmetry in the x-z and y-z planes. Additionally, the pelvis 410 includes balls 418.

FIG. 5A shows a front perspective view of another exemplary pelvis 510. FIG. 5B shows a side view of the pelvis 510. The pelvis 510 includes a stud 514 that extends a distance 514 a in the z direction from a surface 512. The stud 514 includes a cavity 515, which is formed in the stud 514, and an outer wall 516. The cavity 514 has a faceted inner wall. The outer wall 516 is smooth. The pelvis 510 is similar to the pelvis 410, except the surface 512 is smaller than the surface 412 in the x-y plane and in the z direction. Additionally, the extent 514 a of the stud 514 can be greater than the extent 414 a of the stud 414. However, the cavity 515 and the cavity 415 have the same diameter and the same faceted inner wall, and the diameters of the stud 514 and the stud 414 are the same. Thus, the discussion below regarding connecting the torso 620 and the pelvis 410 also applies to connecting the torso 620 and the pelvis 510.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, perspective and perspective bottom views, respectively, of the torso 620 are shown. Referring to FIG. 6A, the torso 620 includes a body 652 that defines a longitudinal axis 607 that is parallel to the z direction. A stud 614 extends in the z direction from the body 652, and balls 632 extend from the body 652 in the y direction. Referring also to FIG. 6B, a bottom end 617 of the torso 620 defines a recess 630 that is bounded in the x-y plane by a surface 622.

Inside the body 652 of the torso 620 and within the recess 630 are two recesses 624, a protrusion (or stud) 626, and a wall 627. The torso 620 also includes ribs 628 that extend along the wall 627 and into the recess 624.

To connect the torso 620 and the pelvis 410, the protrusion 626 is inserted into the cavity 415 of the stud 414 of the pelvis 410, and the outer wall 416 of the stud 414 is physically connected to at least a portion of the wall 627 of the torso 620. The insertion and physical connection creates a frictional engagement between the inner wall of the cavity 415 of the pelvis 410 and the protrusion 626 of the torso 620 and between at least a portion of the outer wall 416 of the pelvis 410 and a portion of the wall 627 of the torso 620. Thus, the torso 620 and the pelvis 410 are held together and connected at a plurality of frictional engagement points. This connection can be considered a “double clutch.”

Portions of the outer wall 416 of the stud 414 on the pelvis 410 can have a frictional engagement with the wall 627 of the torso 620 by having a frictional engagement with one or more of the ribs 628. Additionally, the ribs 628 can be used to connect and hold the torso 620 to a separate building element, as shown, for example, in FIG. 9. The primary function of the ribs 628 is to locate a long or short stud in the geometric center of the torso 620. This allows the torso 620 to sit either “in system” (discussed with respect to FIG. 7A below) over two studs or in-system over a single stud in the center. Another function of the ribs 628 is to provide additional clutching surfaces for any of the three stud positions.

The torso 620 and the pelvis 410 can be rotated relative to each other while connected. The rotation can occur in the x-y plane (which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 407 of the pelvis and the longitudinal axis 607 of the torso 620). The rotation can be smooth, without the torso 620 and the pelvis 410 disconnecting from each other or moving apart from each other along the direction of the longitudinal axes 407 and 507 (in the z direction). The ribs 628 can help keep the torso 620 and the pelvis 410 connected when they are rotated relative to each other. The ribs 428 can also help the torso 620 and the pelvis 410 rotate smoothly without separating or moving away from each other in the z direction.

Further, the ribs 628 provide additional clutching surfaces (surfaces for frictional engagement) for a connection on a building element that connects to the torso 620. Furthermore, the ribs 628 can aid in aligning the outer wall 416 of the stud 414 on the pelvis 410 or the outer portion of any other type of connection on a separate building element that connects to the torso 620 at the protrusion 626. In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the four ribs 628 provide four additional points of contact and four lines of alignment. Other implementations can include more or fewer ribs.

Referring to FIG. 7A, a perspective view of the torso 620 placed “in system” with other building elements in a toy construction set is shown. FIG. 7B shows a side cross-sectional view of the torso 620 placed “in system” with other building elements. In the example shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a construction set (such as the construction set 236 of FIG. 2) is used to build a grid 700. A building element is “in system” with other building elements when the building element is built into a grid or an assembly that is formed from at least some of the other building elements of the toy construction set. For example, making the height and/or width of the building element the same as at least some of the other building elements in the toy construction set allows the building element to be interchanged with other building elements of the set, thus allowing the building element to be connected or placed “in system.”

For building elements that include a grid of studs, the centers of the studs are 8 millimeters (mm) apart in the x-y plane. Additionally, all building elements in the construction set are factors of the same size in the y-z and x-z dimension. For example, all of the building elements can have an extent in the y-z and/or x-z dimension that is an integer multiple of the extent of all of the other building elements. In other words, the extent of all of the building elements can be the same as or a multiple of a single building element to allow all of the building elements to be used in a grid or structure constructed from the building elements in the construction set. For building elements that include other types of coupling elements (such as balls and sockets), the centers of those coupling elements align with coupling elements of the grid associated with the other building elements of the construction set. Thus, for example, the distances between centers of the coupling elements in the grid taken along a direction that is parallel with either the x or the z axis in the x-z plane are a standard unit, which is an integer multiple of a base unit, BU. Thus, the balls or sockets are in system if their centers are separated from each other by an integer multiple of a base unit BU. For construction sets with building elements that have standard sizes, to make a building element or other object of a construction set “in system” with the other building elements, key dimensions of the building element are designed to fall in either a multiple of 8 mm (the distance between studs), a multiple of 3.2 mm (the height of a plate), or matching any of the key diameters or other “width” dimensions in the construction system, such as 3.18 mm rods, 4.88 mm studs, and other standard building element.

The distances are within a standard tolerance. Thus, the distances are considered to be in system if they are within the tolerance needed to obtain the needed interference fit.

The torso 620 is placed “in system” with the other building elements used to assemble the grid 700 because the torso 620 fits into the grid 700 and is interchangeable with at least one other building element used to assemble the grid 700.

Additionally, and referring to FIG. 7B, when connected “in system,” the torso 620 is connected to a building element 710 with a plurality of frictional engagement points. The building element 710 includes a stud 714 that has a portion 715 The portion 715 receives the protrusion 626 of the torso 620, thereby forming a plurality of frictional engagement points between the torso 620 and the building element 710.

In the example shown, the assembled grid 700 includes a building element 733 that has a stud 734 with a cavity 735. The torso 620 includes a shoulder coupling element 632 that, for example, connects the arm 330 (FIG. 3) to the torso 620. The shoulder coupling element 632 is positioned relative to the other parts of the torso 620 so that the shoulder coupling element 632 lines up with the stud 734 and cavity 735. In the example shown, when the torso 620 is connected to the building element 710, the center of the shoulder coupling element 632 is aligned with the center of the cavity 735 in the x direction, as shown by axis 750.

This arrangement of the shoulder coupling element 632 relative to the other portions of the torso 620 helps to allow the torso 620 to be connected “in system” with the other building elements (such as the building element 733) in the toy construction set. For example, the shoulder coupling element 632 can be connected to the building element 733 by inserting the shoulder coupling element 632 into the cavity 735 while still being connected to other building elements in the grid 700. In this manner, the building elements of the construction set can be used to make a grid and/or a figure, enhancing play value and the flexibility of the construction set.

Furthermore, when connected to the building element 710 “in system”, the torso 620 can rotate relative to the building element 710 about a rotation axis 707. The rotation axis 707 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 607 (FIG. 6A) of the torso 620.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary process 800 for releasably connecting building elements. The process 800 can be performed, for example, with the building elements 110 and 120, the building elements 210 and 220, the torso 320 and the pelvis 310, and/or the torso 620 with any of the pelvises 310, 410, and 510. The process 800 is discussed with respect to the building elements 110 and 120.

The building element 110 is provided (810). The first building element 110 is releasably connected to the second building element 210 by inserting the protrusion 126 into the cavity 115 such that the protrusion engages the inner wall of the cavity 115 and the wall 127 engages the outer wall 116 of the stud 114 (820). In some implementations, the first building element 110 and the second building element 120 are rotatable about the connection axis 107 relative to each other when connected.

FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of another exemplary construction set 900 in a disassembled state, and FIG. 9B shows the construction set 900 in an assembled state. The construction set 900 includes the torso 620 and a building element 950. The building element 950 includes studs 952 arranged in a regular pattern or grid on a flat surface 954. The centers of the studs 952 are separated, along a direction that is parallel with either the x or the z axis in the x-z plane, by a standard unit, which is an integer multiple of a base unit, BU. This center-to-center distance is labeled 940 in FIG. 9A. The torso 620 can be connected to the building element 950 “in system” by connecting the protrusion 626 (FIG. 6B) of the torso 920 between any two of the studs 952 and connecting the recesses 624 (FIG. 6B) to those two studs.

Any of the building elements discussed above can include one or more coupling elements. Coupling elements of standard building elements can include male coupling elements, for example, in the form of a coupling stud, and female coupling elements, for example, in the form of a coupling recess that is sized to receive the coupling stud. The male and female coupling elements can have a first coupling size. For example, the first coupling size of a standard coupling stud (that is on a surface of a building element, such as a plate or brick) is defined by an outside diameter of 4.88 mm and a height of 1.80 mm, and the coupling recesses are sized to have an interference fit with the coupling studs of the same size. There can be different types and configurations of female recesses that mate with the first coupling size. For example, in some configurations, the recesses may be circular, partially circular with flats on multiple sides, square, or pronged to name a few. The recesses may have varying depths; however, a minimum depth may be provided to ensure proper coupling with the male stud via an interference fit. Additional configurations for recesses that provide different alignment possibilities between building elements are described below in greater detail.

Coupling elements, for example, a male stud of a standard building element of the toy construction system, can be arranged in a uniform two-dimensional array structure (that is in an x-z plane) on the surface of a building element which allow for easy coupling (and de-coupling) with the similarly arranged female recesses of another building element. Typically, the building elements are referred to by the array formed on the surface of the building element. Thus, a 3×4 building element has 12 male coupling elements, for example, studs, arranged in four columns by three rows. The distances between centers of the coupling elements taken along a direction that is parallel with either the x or the z axis in the x-z plane are a standard unit, which is an integer multiple of a base unit, BU. For example, a 1×3 standard building element (brick or plate) has three studs A, B, and C whose centers are arranged along a center axis of the element (for example, a z axis) where the center of stud A is 1BU from the center of stud B and 2BUs from the center of stud C. In the implementations described, the base unit or BU of such a toy construction system is 8 mm.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C, an adapter building element 1000 has a body 1002 with a first connection end 1003 and a second connection end 1007. The adapter building element 1000 includes a socket 1001 at the first connection end 1003, and a double-clutch interference fit coupling element (referred to herein as double-clutch coupling element) 1005 at the second connection end 1007.

The socket 1001 includes two or more petals 1010 that define an inner curved surface 1012. The inner curved surface 1012 can be spherically shaped (for example, it can have a shape of a partial sphere) and is configured to receive a ball.

The double-clutch coupling element 1005 is formed into the body 1002 at the second connection end 1007. The double-clutch coupling element 1005 is defined by the following features: an inner circumferential surface 1016 of the body 1002 and an outer circumferential surface 1022 of a central post 1020. The inner circumferential surface 1016 generally defines a central cavity 1018. The central post 1020 extends into or through the central cavity 1018 to fill a portion of the central cavity 1018 so that a circumferential cavity 1024 is thereby defined between the inner circumferential surface 1016 of the body 1002 and the outer circumferential surface 1022 of the central post 1020. The cavity 1018 intersects a surface 1032 defined at the edge of the second connection end 1007.

An axis 1026 of the central post 1020 extends through the body 1002. The axis 1026 of the central post 1020 coincides with the center axis of the inner curved surface 1012 of the socket 1001. In some implementations, the central post 1020 has a cylindrical shape (and thus has a cross sectional shape of a circle when the cross section is taken along the plane that is normal to the axis 1026). In other implementations, the central post 1020 has a polygonal cross-section. In other implementations, the central post 1020 has a cross section that intersperses arcs with lines. The central post 1020 has a post top surface 1030 that intersects the axis 1026 of the central post 1020. A plane that intersects the post top surface 1030 slices through the body 1002 in the second connection end 1007.

As shown in this example, the socket 1001 includes only two petals 1010. In other implementations, the socket 1001 includes three, four, or more petals 1010. The two petals 1010 extend from the body 1002 along a direction that is parallel with the axis 1026 of the central post 1020 and define an open area 1034 between the two petals. A line halfway between the petals 1010 of the socket 1001 can therefore intersect the axis 1026 of the central post 1020.

In some implementations, the inner circumferential surface 1016 of the body 1002 has a diameter of 4.8 mm. In some implementations, the socket 1001 (in particular, the inner curved surface 1012) has a radius of 2.4 mm (or a diameter of 4.8 mm). In some implementations, the outer circumferential surface 1022 of the central post 1020 has a diameter of 3.18 mm.

The inner surface of each petal 1010 can include one or more arc-shaped surfaces 1040 between two flat surfaces 1042. The arc-shaped surfaces 1040 enable a ball (such as ball 1108 in FIG. 12A) of a building element (such as building element 1206 in FIG. 12A) to smoothly and snugly fit between the petals 1010 during the connection of the building element 1206 to the adapter building element 1000. In the implementation shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, the inner circumferential surface 1016 of the body 1002 is circular.

Referring to FIGS. 11A-11E, an adapter building element 1100 is designed with a flange 1114 that is formed at the second connection end 1107 of the body 1102. The flange 1114 can be carved into the surface 1132 or it can extend outward from the surface 1132 (as shown in FIGS. 11A-11E). The cavity 1118 is formed between an inner circumferential surface 1116 and an outer circumferential surface 1122 of a central post 1120.

The adapter building element 1100 is similar in design to the adapter building element 1000 and thus, the adapter building element 1100 also includes the body 1102, which has the first connection end 1103 and the second connection end 1107. The adapter building element 1100 includes a socket 1101 at the first connection end 1103, and a double-clutch interference fit coupling element 1105 (or double-clutch coupling element 1105) at the second connection end 1107. The socket 1101 includes two or more petals 1110 that define an inner curved surface 1112. The inner curved surface 1112 can be spherically shaped and is configured to receive a ball. The double-clutch coupling element 1105 is formed by the cavity 1118 that is defined between the inner circumferential surface 1116 of the body 1102 and the outer circumferential surface 1122 of the central post 1120.

In the implementation shown in FIGS. 11A-11E, the inner circumferential surface 1116 includes one or more arc-shaped surfaces 1144 between two flat surfaces 1146. Such a design can improve the frictional engagement between the double-clutch coupling element 1105 and the building element (such as building element 1206 in FIG. 12A) that connects to the double-clutch coupling element 1105.

Referring also to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the adapter building element 1000 (which can be the adapter building element 1100) is shown as being part of a toy construction set 1200. The adapter building element 1000 provides a connection mechanism between a first building element 1202 that includes a cylindrical stud 1204 and a second building element 1206 that includes a ball 1208. When the first building element 1202 and the second building element 1206 are connected to the adapter building element 1000, a unitary structure 1210 is formed. The building elements of the unitary structure 1210 are releasably interconnectible. Thus, the unitary structure 1210 can be disassembled and the individual parts, that is, the adapter building element 1000, and the first and second building elements 1202, 1206, can be reused in other ways and to connect with other building elements of the set 1200 or any other toy construction set.

The cylindrical stud 1204 includes a cylindrical wall 1212 defining an inner stud cavity 1214 and an outer stud surface 1216. When the adapter building element 1000 and the first building element 1202 are connected, the cylindrical stud 1204 is frictionally engaged at the inner stud cavity 1214 with the outer circumferential surface 1022 of the central post 1020 and at the outer stud surface 1216 with the inner circumferential surface 1016.

The adapter building element 1000 and the first building element 1202 connect along a connection axis 1220, which aligns with and is parallel with the axis 1026 of the central post 1020. When the adapter building element 1000 and the first building element 1202 are connected, the adapter building element 1000 and the first building element 1202 are rotatable relative to each other about the connection axis 1220. The adapter building element 1000 and the first building element 1202 slidably connect along the connection axis 1220. In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the first building element 1202 is a base building element 1302 that is shaped like a cylindrically shaped head and the cylindrical stud 1304 protrudes from the head. In other implementations, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the first building element 1202 is a base building element 1402 that has a planar surface 1480 from which the cylindrical stud 1404 protrudes.

The first building element 1202 can include other coupling elements for connection to other building elements while being connected to the adapter building element 1000. For example, the first building element 1202 can include one or more recesses 1248 that are each configured to frictionally engage a cylindrical stud of another building element. Examples of recesses 1348 and 1448 are shown in, respectively, building elements 1302 and 1402. Or, the first building element 1202 can include one or more additional studs. An example of a second stud 1450 is shown on the building element 1402.

Referring again to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the second building element 1206 includes the ball 1208. When the adapter building element 1000 and the second building element 1206 are connected, the ball 1208 is frictionally engaged in the socket 1001 of the adapter building element 1000. The second building element 1206 can include one or more additional coupling elements for connecting to other building element of the toy construction set 1200 or of other toy construction sets.

The diameter D of the ball 1208 is larger than the opening defined between the two or more petals 1010 of the socket 1001, in particular, the inner curved surface 1012. Thus, the diameter D of the ball 1208 is greater than 4.78 mm if the diameter of the inner curved surface 1012 is 4.78 mm. For example, if the diameter D of the ball 1208 is 4.88 mm, the diameter of the inner curved surface 1012 is 4.78 mm, and this provides an overlapping interference of about 0.3 mm total.

Because of this, a snap fit is formed between the ball 1208 and the socket 1001 such that as the ball 1208 is pushed into the socket 1001 between the petals 1010, the petals 1010 are deformed (pushed away from the axis 1026), and once the ball 1208 is properly seated within the socket 1001, the petals 1010 snap back into their non-deformed position. Thus, to connect the second building element 1206 to the adapter building element 1000, the ball 1208 is pushed through the open area 1034 between the petals 1010 of the socket 1001 along the connection axis 1220. As the ball 1208 is pushed along the axis 1220, it initially seats itself between the arc-shaped surfaces 1040 (which is a stable position for the ball 1208), and because the ball 1208 has a diameter that is wider than the diameter of the inner curved surface 1012, the ball 1208 pushes the petals 1010 outward and away from the connection axis 1220 and away from their non-deformed, resting position until the ball 1208 clears the arc-shaped surfaces 1040 and is fully seated within the inner curved surface 1012 (as shown on the right side of FIG. 12A), at which point the petals 1010 snap back toward the connection axis 1220 to their non-deformed, resting position to securely lock the ball 1208 within the socket 1001.

Referring to FIGS. 15A-15D, an exemplary second building element 1506 is shown that includes a ball 1508 that forms an interference fit (for example, a snap-fit) with the socket 1001 of the adapter building element 1000. As also shown in FIGS. 15A-15D, the adapter building element 1000 is connected to the base building element 1402. In this way, a unitary structure 1510 is formed. The unitary structure 1510 resembles an ankle assembly, with the base building element 1402 resembling a part of an appendage such as a foot, the adapter building element 1000 acting as an ankle joint, and the second building element 1506 resembling a part of an appendage, such as a lower part of a leg.

In this example, when the adapter building element 1000 and the second building element 1506 are connected, the ball 1508 is frictionally engaged in the socket 1001 of the adapter building element 1000 to enable the second building element 1506 to rotate at least 180° along a first plane and to rotate at least 40° along a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.

Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the adapter building element 1000 can be used in a combiner apparatus 1690 that is formed by combining a plurality of toy figure assemblies, with each toy figure assembly resembling a human or robot form.

In general, each adapter building element 1000 of the apparatus 1690 connects a first appendage building element to a second appendage building element. For example, the adapter building element 1600A functions as a knee joint between a first appendage building element 1602A and a second appendage building element 1606A. Thus, the first appendage building element 1602A is a part of a leg and the second appendage building element 1606A is the other part of the leg that is closest to a torso 1684. And, the adapter building element 1600B functions as an elbow joint between a first appendage building element 1602B and a second appendage building element 1606B. Thus the first appendage building element 1602B is a part of an arm and the second appendage building element 1606B is a part of the arm that is closest to the torso 1684.

The first appendage building element 1602A, 1602B includes a cylindrical stud that includes a cylindrical wall defining an inner stud cavity and an outer stud surface. When the adapter building element 1000 and the first appendage building element 1602A or 1602B are connected, the cylindrical stud is frictionally engaged at the inner stud cavity with the double-clutch coupling element 1005 of the adapter building element 1000 and at the outer stud surface with the double-clutch coupling element 1005 of the adapter building element 1000. The second appendage building element 1606A, 1606B includes a respective ball 1608A, 1608B, and when the adapter building element 1000 and the second appendage building element 1606A or 1606B are connected, the ball is frictionally engaged in the socket 1001 of the adapter building element 1000.

In this particular combiner apparatus 1690, the first appendage building element 1602A, 1602B is a part of a toy figure assembly. In this implementation, the first appendage building element 1602A, 1602B is a head part building element that includes the cylindrical stud that frictionally engages at the inner stud cavity with the double-clutch coupling element 1005 of the adapter building element 1000 and at the outer stud surface with the double-clutch coupling element 1005 of the adapter building element 1000. The toy figure assembly also includes an upper body part building element 1692A, 1692B removably attachable to the respective head part building element 1602A, 1602B via a non-snap frictional engagement; and a lower body part building element 1694A, 1694B removably attachable to the upper body part building element 1692A, 1692B via a non-snap frictional engagement. The lower body part building element 1694A, 1694B includes a single recess structured for non-snap frictional engagement to a building element via only a single stud on the building element. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A building element comprising: a body that defines a first connection end and a second connection end; a socket at the first connection end, the socket includes two or more petals that define an inner curved surface that is configured to receive a ball; an inner circumferential surface extending into the body at the second connection end, the inner circumferential surface defining a central cavity; and a cylindrical post at the second connection end and in the central cavity, the post having an outer circumferential surface such that a circumferential cavity is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the post and the inner circumferential surface of the body.
 2. The building element of claim 1, wherein the axis of the cylindrical post extends from a lower surface, wherein the lower surface forms a lower surface of the circumferential cavity and extends between the inner circumferential surface of the body and the outer circumferential surface of the post.
 3. The building element of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical post comprises a post top surface that intersects the axis of the cylindrical post, and the body comprises a top surface.
 4. The building element of claim 3, wherein a plane that intersects the post top surface slices through the body.
 5. The building element of claim 1, wherein the socket includes only two petals.
 6. The building element of claim 5, wherein the two petals extend from the body along a direction that is parallel with the axis of the cylindrical post and define open areas between the two petals.
 7. The building element of claim 1, wherein a line halfway between the petals of the socket intersects the axis of the cylindrical post.
 8. The building element of claim 1, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the body has a diameter of 4.84 mm.
 9. The building element of claim 8, wherein the socket has a radius of 2.4 mm.
 10. The building element of claim 8, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical post has a diameter of 3.18 mm.
 11. The building element of claim 1, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the body includes one or more arc-shaped surfaces between two flat surfaces.
 12. A toy construction set comprising: an adapter building element comprising: a body that defines a first connection end and a second connection end; a socket at the first connection end, the socket includes two or more petals that define an inner curved surface that is configured to receive a ball; an inner circumferential surface extending into the body at the second connection end and defining a central cavity; and a central post at the second connection end and in the central cavity, the central post having an outer circumferential surface such that a circumferential cavity is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical post and the inner circumferential surface of the body.
 13. The toy construction set of claim 12, further comprising a base building element comprising a cylindrical stud that includes a cylindrical wall defining an inner stud cavity and an outer stud surface, wherein, when the adapter building element and the base building element are connected, the cylindrical stud is frictionally engaged at the inner stud cavity with the outer circumferential surface of the central post and at the outer stud surface with the inner circumferential surface of the body.
 14. The toy construction set of claim 13, wherein the adapter building element and the base building element connect along an axis of connection, and when the adapter building element and the base building element are connected, the adapter building element and the base building element are rotatable relative to each other about the axis of connection.
 15. The toy construction set of claim 14, wherein the adapter building element and the base building element slidably connect along the axis of connection.
 16. The toy construction set of claim 13, wherein the base building element has a cylindrically shaped head from which the cylindrical stud protrudes.
 17. The toy construction set of claim 13, wherein the base building element has a planar surface from which the cylindrical stud protrudes.
 18. The toy construction set of claim 13, wherein the base building element comprises a recess that is configured to frictionally engage a cylindrical stud of another building element.
 19. The toy construction set of claim 13, further comprising a ball building element comprising a ball, wherein, when the adapter building element and the ball building element are connected, the ball is frictionally engaged in the socket of the adapter building element.
 20. The toy construction set of claim 12, further comprising a ball building element comprising a ball, wherein, when the adapter building element and the ball building element are connected, the ball is frictionally engaged in the socket of the adapter building element.
 21. The toy construction set of claim 20, wherein the ball building element comprises one or more additional coupling elements for connecting to other building element of the toy construction set.
 22. The toy construction set of claim 20, wherein the diameter of the ball is larger than an opening defined between the two or more petals.
 23. The toy construction set of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of additional building elements that are releasably interconnectable with each other, at least one of the additional building elements including a cylindrical stud that frictionally engages the central post of the adapter building element by way of an interference fit and at least one of the additional building elements including a ball that frictionally engages the socket of the adapter building element by way of an interference fit, at least one of the building elements engaging in a purposeful deformation during connection or disconnection.
 24. A toy construction set comprising: an adapter building element comprising: a body; a socket at a first connection end of the body, the socket defining an inner curved surface; and a double-clutch interference fit coupling element at a second connection end of the body; a first appendage building element comprising a cylindrical stud that includes a cylindrical wall defining an inner stud cavity and an outer stud surface, wherein, when the adapter building element and the first appendage building element are connected, the cylindrical stud is frictionally engaged at the inner stud cavity with the double-clutch interference fit coupling element of the adapter building element and at the outer stud surface with the double-clutch interference fit coupling element of the adapter building element; and a second appendage building element comprising a ball, wherein, when the adapter building element and the second appendage building element are connected, the ball is frictionally engaged in the socket of the adapter building element.
 25. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein the double-clutch interference fit coupling element comprises: an inner circumferential surface that defines a central cavity that extends into the body; and a post protruding within the central cavity such that a circumferential cavity is formed between the post and the inner circumferential surface of the body.
 26. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein the adapter building element and the first appendage building element connect along an axis of connection, and when the adapter building element and the first appendage building element are connected, the adapter building element and the first appendage building element are rotatable relative to each other about the axis of connection.
 27. The toy construction set of claim 26, wherein the adapter building element and the first appendage building element slidably connect along the axis of connection.
 28. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein when the adapter building element and the second appendage building element are connected, the ball is frictionally engaged in the socket of the adapter building element to enable the second appendage building element to rotate at least 180° along a first plane and to rotate at least 40° along a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.
 29. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein the first appendage building element comprises a foot building element and the second appendage building element comprises a leg building element.
 30. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein the first appendage building element is a first arm building element and the second appendage building element is a second arm building element.
 31. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein the first appendage building element is a first leg building element and the second appendage building element is a second leg building element.
 32. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein the first appendage building element is a part of a toy figure assembly.
 33. The toy construction set of claim 32, wherein: the first appendage building element comprises a head part building element that includes the cylindrical stud that frictionally engages at the inner stud cavity with the double-clutch interference fit coupling element of the adapter building element and at the outer stud surface with the double-clutch interference fit coupling element of the adapter building element; and the toy figure assembly comprises: an upper body part building element removably attachable to the head part building element via a non-snap frictional engagement; and a lower body part building element removably attachable to the upper body part building element via a non-snap frictional engagement, the lower body part building element includes a single recess structured for non-snap frictional engagement to a building element via only a single stud on the building element. 